Radish: Research-Backed Benefits & How To Use

Radishes are a root crop that can be juicy, pungent, or sweet in taste. They also come in a variety of colors, including white, red, purple, or black. In terms of shape, they can be long and cylindrical, or round. Radishes may be eaten raw, cooked, or pickled. The oil obtained from the seeds of radish has a number of beneficial health applications.

What is Radish?

Radish is an edible root vegetable with a pungent taste. The parts of the radish plant that are commonly consumed are the leaves, flowers, pods, and seeds. The scientific name of radish is Raphanus sativus which belongs to the Brassicaceae family. Radishes are also known as daikon in some parts of the world, primarily in Asian markets.

Health Benefits of Radish

The benefits of radishes in the treatment or prevention of certain ailments and on certain body parts are listed below:

Aids in Digestion

Radishes are rich in fiber which can add considerable bulk (and regularity) to bowel movements that may help relieve the symptoms of constipation. A 2008 study suggests that radish leaves may help in healinggastrointestinal infections and get rid of the symptoms of diarrhea. Furthermore, radishes are known to promote the production of bile. Bile is one of the most important parts of good digestion, and also helps to assist both the liver and gallbladder.

Prevents Piles

Radishes are considered to have roughage and are composed of indigestible carbohydrates (specifically lignin, a type of insoluble fiber). This facilitates digestion, water retention, and alleviates constipation, which is one of the major causes of piles also referred to as hemorrhoids. As a good detoxifier, they help relieve the symptoms of piles very quickly. Radish juice also soothes the digestive and excretory system, further relieving the symptoms of piles.

Anticancer Properties

Since radishes are detoxifiers and are rich in vitamin C, folic acid, and anthocyanins, they have been linked with having a protective effect against some types of cancers, particularly colon, kidney, intestinal, stomach, and oral cancer. According to a research paper by the International Society for Horticultural Science, radishes, which are part of the Brassica family, are packed with antioxidants that have chemopreventive properties against certain types of cancers. Some controlled-case studies have shown that those who consumed a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables like radish had a lower risk of breast, lungs, colorectal, and prostate cancers. However, additional research is required to corroborate the same.

Furthermore, the isothiocyanates (chemicals produced by plants) found in radishes have a major impact on the genetic pathways of cancerous cells. They alter the pathways and thus can cause apoptosis (cell death) thereby eliminating cancerous cells from reproducing.

Urinary Disorders

Radishes are diuretic in nature, which means that they increase the production of urine. Radish juice also helps reduce inflammation and may relieve the burning sensation during urination. It may also inhibit infections in the kidneys and urinary system, thus helping the treatment of various urinary conditions that are exacerbated by excess toxins in the system.

A 2012 study revealed that radish has antifungal properties. It can help induce cell death in a common fungus known as Candida albicans, which can cause oral infections and vaginal yeast infections.

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Weight Loss

Radishes are very filling, which means that they satisfy your hunger without running up the calorie count. They are also low in digestible carbohydrates, high in roughage (insoluble fiber), and contain a large water content. Thus they are a very good dietary option for those who are determined to lose weight. Furthermore, they are high in fiber and low on the glycemic index (GI), which means that they regulate bowel movements, thereby helping in weight loss and increasing the efficiency of metabolism.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Radishes are a great source of anthocyanins, a flavonoid, which not only give color to radishes but also provide numerous health benefits. Anthocyanins have been the subject of numerous medical studies, and have been positively associated with reducing the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

Leucoderma (Vitiligo)

The detoxifying and anti-carcinogenic properties of radishes make their seeds useful in the treatment of leucoderma. You can eat radishes as well to aid in the treatment of leucoderma.

Note: Radish seeds can be powdered and soaked in vinegar, ginger juice, and then applied on the white patches. However, consult a medical professional before trying this.

Relieves Respiratory Disorders

Radishes are an anti-congestive, meaning that they decrease congestion of the respiratory system including irritation of the nose, throat, windpipe, and lungs that can come from colds, infections, allergies, and other causes. They are a great disinfectant and are rich in vitamins, which further protects the respiratory system. According to a book titled, Pharmacology And Applications Of Chinese Materia Medica (Volume Ii), Volume 2, authored by Paul Pui-hay, the radish was traditionally used as a remedy for pulmonary tuberculosis.

Radishes have a strong, natural spice to them, and they are also quite pungent, which is very good for preventing illnesses. They also eliminate excess mucus in the throat. Furthermore, radishes have been known to soothe sore throats and relieve congestion by clearing the sinuses.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Radishes are a very good source of potassium, which contributes to a large list of health benefits. Research by Dr. Haddy, Mayo Clinic, suggests that potassium helps in reducingblood pressure. It is also a main component of the very popular and effectiveDASH diet. When potassium interacts with the arterial supply of vascular beds, it can relax the blood vessels, and therefore promote blood flow. It also reduces the blood pressure by widening the flow of the blood, instead of forcing it through narrow, constricted channels.

Manages Diabetes

Radishes have long been known to have a low glycemic index, which means that eating a radish does not significantly impact blood sugar levels. Also, an in vivo study published in the journal Nutrition in 2017 states that drinking radish root juice has a positive effect on the blood glucose levels of those with diabetes. They may also help regulate the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, meaning that people with diabetes don’t have to worry as much about sudden spikes or drops when eating or being away from food for a certain amount of time. Given the nature of this study, more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of these results.

Skin Care

Vitamin C, zinc, and some members of the vitamin-B family, present in radishes are good for the skin. The high water content in radishes also helps to maintain healthy moisture levels and hydration of the skin. Smashed raw radish is a good cleanser and serves as an efficient face mask. Due to its disinfectant properties, radishes also help clear up skin disorders like dry skin, rashes, and cracks. Due to the presence of niacin, it also helps prevent the skin condition pellagra.

Reduces Fever

It is considered by some that radishes help lower body temperature and relieve inflammation from fevers. A good method of intake is drinking radish juice mixed with black salt, and since they act as good disinfectants, radishes also fight infections that can cause fever.

Protects Kidneys

Radishes are thought to act as a diuretic, cleanser, and disinfectant which can aid in relieving symptoms of kidney ailments. They are low in potassium and phosphorus and may make a great choice for patients on hemodialysis.

Insect Bites

Radishes have antipruritic properties and can be used as an effective treatment for insect bites and bee stings. Radish juice may also reduce pain and swelling and soothes the affected area.

Protects Liver & Gallbladder

Radishes are considered beneficial for liver and gallbladder functions and a few studies have been conducted to determine the effects.

One such study published in 2012 suggests that white radish enzyme extracts may help protect against hepatotoxicity. However, as this was a study conducted using animal subjects, further research is required to confirm the true dose, impact, and efficacy of radishes on liver health.

Black radish juice has been used as a folk remedy by people from Mexico to eliminate gallstones. An animal study published in the Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology found that black radish juice may provide relief from cholesterol gallstones and may also reduce triglycerides and increase HDL or good cholesterol levels.

Helps Fight Jaundice

Radish and radish leaves have been used as a home remedy against jaundice, especially in Indian, Greek-Arabic, and Unani branches of medicine. They are believed to be helpful in maintaining stomach and digestive health.

Other Benefits

Apart from the benefits outlined above, radishes work well as an appetizer, breath freshener, laxative, and metabolism regulator. The intake of radishes may help protect against various health conditions as mentioned above.

Whether it is to improve digestive health, enhance your skin, or just incorporate more vegetables into your diet, you can’t go wrong with nutrient-packed power food radishes!

How to Use Radish In Your Diet?

As seen above, radishes have numerous health benefits, and adding them to your daily diet will not only give you the required nutrition boost but also lend a pungent, peppery, and zesty flavor to many recipes. Feel free to experiment and incorporate radishes in your diet in the most fun and unique way possible. Here are a few recipe ideas that we have for you.

Baked: You can bake radishes and saute them with garlic, herbs, and cheese to have it as a delicious and healthy dinner option.

Pickled Radishes: Pickled radishes can be used in kimchis, a famous traditional Korean appetizer of salted and fermented vegetables.

Salads: You can also add the crunchiness of radishes to your green and vegetable salads.

Tacos & Indian Bread: Radishes can be grated and cooked in a variety of spices. This mixture can then be added as a stuffing in tacos or your regular Indian bread (known as parathas). Note that the spices used for both the dishes will be different from one another.

Creamy Yogurt: The peppery flavor of grated or thinly sliced radishes goes very well with creamy yogurt and works well as a delicious dip to be had with fish or chicken. Indians call it raita.

Healthy Snack: You can also have sliced, roasted watermelon radishes with any dip of your choice as it makes for a great healthy snack. The zinginess of radishes goes brilliantly well with the sour and creamy feta cheese dip.

Radish Green Salad: Don’t get rid of radish greens as they are nutritious. You can add them with other greens like kale, arugula, spinach to make a green salad. Sprinkle olive oil, vinaigrette sauce, and garnish them with roasted almonds or any other dry fruit of your choice and you have a delicious, healthy, crunchy salad for yourself!

Meenakshi Nagdeve, Co-Founder, Organic Facts is a health and wellness enthusiast and is responsible for managing it. She has completed the Nutrition And Healthy Living Cornell Certificate Program, Cornell University, US. She holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore and B. Tech in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay. Prior to this, she worked for a few years in IT and Financial services. An ardent follower of naturopathy, she believes in healing with foods. In her free time, she loves to travel and taste different types of teas.

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Evidence Based

Our articles are evidence-based and contain scientific references, fact-checked by experts. We source information from studies, clinical trial findings, and meta-analyses published in peer-reviewed journals.

To increase transparency to the user, we provide reference links marked by numbers in parentheses in the copy of the article. The entire list of reference links is also provided at the bottom of the article.